Middle East’s First All-Women Supercar Club Rewrites Automotive Stereotypes

In Dubai, the Arabian Gazelles, the first all-women supercar club in the Middle East, hosted a four-day car rally for women passionate about supercars. Founded by Hanan Mazouzi Sobati, the club aims to challenge stereotypes and promote women’s empowerment in the automotive scene. Participants tested vehicles on race tracks and engaged in discussions about representation in motorsports, emphasizing that women do not need permission to drive or pursue their passion for supercars.

In a groundbreaking event this past weekend in Dubai, the Arabian Gazelles, the first all-female supercar club in the Middle East, brought together dozens of passionate women for a thrilling car rally. The participants, including engineers, entrepreneurs, and housewives, embraced a shared love for high-performance vehicles as they embarked on a four-day tour across the United Arab Emirates.

Founded eight years ago by Hanan Mazouzi Sobati, the Arabian Gazelles emerged from her frustration over women’s exclusion from the automotive scene. “It’s really a product of sheer frustration … because women were overlooked in this automotive scene,” Sobati remarked while driving her Lamborghini towards Fujairah. Her lifelong passion for cars set her on a mission to change perceptions around women and supercars.

Sobati’s experience in the male-dominated world of automotive events has been eye-opening. Early on, she noted being the only woman at these gatherings, where often she attended instead of her husband. “Brands wouldn’t support an all-woman car club at the start,” she recalled, emphasizing the challenges faced in establishing a presence for women in motorsport.

The perception of women who drive supercars still battles societal stereotypes. Sobati emphasized that she wants to change the narrative: “We want people to stop thinking there’s always a man because they see a woman in a supercar.” Fortunately, over time, perceptions appear to be shifting.

During the Arabian Gazelles rally, participants were invited by BMW to experience driving on race tracks. This initiative allowed women to showcase their driving capabilities and break the barriers often imposed on them. Sobati passionately asserted, “We do not need permission to drive, or to choose what kind of cars to drive. We do not wait for a seat at the table; if the seat is not available, we create the table and we all sit.”

The Arabian Gazelles are paving the way for women in the Middle East’s automotive world, demonstrating that their presence is not only welcomed but essential. With a growing community of supercar-loving women, the club is actively reshaping perceptions and challenging stereotypes. This event, showcasing the diversity of women’s experiences and talents, emphasizes their drive and passion for supercars as they continue to lead the charge towards greater inclusion in the automotive scene.

Original Source: www.mymotherlode.com